Get Apps on Xiaomi: What is this app, how does it work, and should it be removed?

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, We've probably noticed a mysterious app called Get Apps (or com.xiaomi.mipicks in settings) coming out of the box on most of the brand's devices, but its purpose is unclear to many users. Should it be removed? Could it hurt the phone? Why Xiaomi is so aggressive in promoting it?

In this article, we will discuss in detail what Get Apps is, how it relates to the Xiaomi ecosystem, what functions it performs and how secure your data is, how to disable or remove this application (if it interferes), and what alternatives exist, and pay special attention to privacy issues, because many users fear that such “embedded” programs collect excess information.

Spoiler: Get Apps is not a virus or spyware, but its usefulness depends on your habits. If you actively use Xiaomi services (such as Mi Account or Mi Home), it may come in handy. Otherwise, it will become just ballast in the system.

What is Get Apps and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Get Apps (in some firmware - Mi Picks or App Market) is a branded app store from Xiaomi, an alternative to Google Play. It is preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand under the control of the app. MIUI (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark and offers:

• 📱 Localized apps for the Chinese and global markets (many of them are not available on Google Play).
• 🎁 Exclusive promotions and promotional codes for programs from Xiaomi partners.
• 🔄 Recommendations based on your installed apps (similar to Google Play, but with a focus on Asian content).
• 📦 Quick installation APK without having to download files manually.

It’s important to understand that Get Apps isn’t just a take on Google Play, it’s closely integrated with Xiaomi’s ecosystem.

• 🔗 It is synchronized with your Mi Account (if you are logged in).
• 📊 Provides applications optimized for MIUI (e.g. themes or widgets).
• 💳 Payment via Mi Pay (in some regions).

But there are some controversial issues, such as often showing ads in the nods or on the home screen, and being able to install “recommended” apps (if not disable this feature in the settings), which annoys many users, especially those who prefer a minimalist interface.

How Get Apps gets to the smartphone: pre-install vs self-installation

Get Apps is installed on Xiaomi smartphones in two ways:

1. Pre-installation in firmware - the program is sewn into the system section /system/priv-app and is removed only with the granting of root rights or through ADB. This is the case on most devices with the global and Chinese version. MIUI.
2. Automatic update – even if you manually uninstall the application, it can return after a firmware update or through the Mi Push service (unless you disable the relevant permissions).

Interesting fact: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or XPG). POCO F5) Get Apps is hidden under the name com.xiaomi.mipicks and does not appear in the app menu, but continues to work in the background. → Annexes → Application management → All applications.

On Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi). K70) Get Apps replaces Google Play and is the main app store.Deleting or disabling can lead to problems with updates to system components.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a Xiaomi smartphone with Chinese firmware and plan to use Google Play, check compatibility first.Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ 5G China requires manual installation of Google services, otherwise Get Apps will remain the only source of software.

Is Get Apps Safe: Does it Collect Data and Show Ads?

The main fear of users is that Get Apps spy on them or download malware, and let's see how this is true.

1. Data collection

Like any app store, Get Apps collects:

• 📱 Device model and version MIUI (compatiblely).
• 🌍 Region (to offer localized content).
• 🔍 List of installed annexes (for recommendations).
• 🆔 ID Devices (if you are logged in to your Mi Account).

Unlike some Chinese apps, Get Apps does not transmit:

• 📍 Exact location (unless authorized).
• 📂 Files or contacts.
• 💳 Credit card details if you do not use Mi Pay).

Independent tests (e.g., from the XDA Developers, the program does not send data to third-party servers without the user's knowledge, but it can share information with other Xiaomi services (for example, for targeted advertising in Mi Browser).

2. Advertising and “junk” applications

The main complaint to Get Apps is intrusive advertising:

• 📢 Push notifications with suggestions to install new programs.
• 🎯 Banners on the store's home screen.
• 🔄 Autoinstall "recommended" applications (if not disabled in settings).

In addition, in the Get Apps catalog there are:

• 🧹 "Garbage" programs (e.g., memory cleaners or optimizers that duplicate functions MIUI).
• 🎮 Games with aggressive monetization (especially in the Chinese version).
• 📱 Clones of popular applications (such as alternative launchers or browsers).

⚠️ Note: If you notice that Get Apps installs programs without your consent, check the settings: Get Apps → Profile → Settings → Autoinstall applications and disable all switches. It is also recommended that the application not show notifications in Settings. → Notifications → Get Apps.

💡

To reduce the amount of ads in Get Apps, go to Settings → Google → Advertising and resetting advertising ID. This won’t remove banners completely, but it will make them less personalized.

Should I remove Get Apps: pros and cons

The decision to remove Get Apps depends on how you use your smartphone, and below is a comparison table of arguments for and against.

When should I remove the Apps?

• 🚫 You do not use Xiaomi services (Mi Account, Mi Home, themes).
• 🚫 You have a global firmware and you prefer Google Play.
• 🚫 Advertising and notifications from the program annoy you.
• 🚫 You want to unload the system as much as possible.

When should I leave?

• ✅ You have Chinese firmware without Google Play.
• ✅ You're actively customizing. MIUI (themes, fonts, widgets).
• ✅ Use exclusive Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Pay).

💡

If you are not sure if you need to remove Get Apps, try disabling it first (without deleting it). MIUI, Always return the program back to the.

How to disable or remove Get Apps: step-by-step instructions

If you've decided to get rid of Get Apps, there are a few ways, from simply disabling to completely uninstalling, and choose the method depending on your firmware and root rights.

Method 1: Disconnect (without deleting)

The safest option is to disable the program so it doesn't work in the background, but stays in the system. It doesn't require superuser rights.

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management|Find Get Apps (or com.xiaomi.mipicks)|Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the button is inactive)|Confirm the action-->

After the shutdown:

• ✅ Program will stop showing notifications.
• ✅ It will not consume battery and traffic.
• ✅ There's still a chance to bring her back.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

If the shutdown is not enough, you can remove Get Apps using ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method works on most global firmware.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

If the team doesn’t work, try:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

⚠️ Important: On some firmware (for example, MIUI China) this method does not work – the system will restore the application after restarting.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root (for example, through Magisk), you can delete Get Apps permanently:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Move to the /system/priv-app/MiPicks or /system/app/MiPicks.
3. Remove the folder or rename it (for example, in the MiPicks_bak).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications from root can lead to unstable work MIUI (For example, if you lose something or update errors, make a backup before you do something. TWRP Or OrangeFox.

Get Apps Alternatives: What App Stores Can You Use

If you have removed Get Apps but want to have access to alternative stores, consider these options:

If you need exclusive themes or widgets for MIUI, pay attention:

• 🎨 MIUI Theme Editor – Theme Editor with custom templates.

For users of Chinese firmware without Google Play, CoolApk (Chinese analogue of APKMirror) will be a good alternative, but it will be necessary to use it. VPN or changing the region in the settings.

Frequent problems with Get Apps and how to solve them

Even if you haven't removed Get Apps, it can cause errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1 "Get Apps won't open" or crash

Possible causes:

• 🔄 Older version (update through the MIUI Updater).
• 📂 Damaged cache or data.
• 🚫 Blocking by a firewall or VPN.

Decision:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Get Apps → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
2. Reset the settings: in the same menu, click Clear Data (remove logins!).
3. Check your internet connection (especially if you use it) VPN China).

2. Persistent Notifications from Get Apps

If the program spams advertising:

1. Open the Settings. → Notifications → Get Apps and turn off all switches.
2. In the application itself, go to the Profile → Settings → Recommendations and Deactivate Personalized Offers.
3. If notifications continue to arrive, disable the app completely (see the section on deletion).

3.Get Apps asks for updates, but not updated

This is a mistake for Chinese firmware.

• 🔄 Restart your phone and check your internet connection.
• 📥 Download the latest version of Get Apps manually from the official website (for China).
• 🛠️ If the update is hanging, clear the data of the application com.xiaomi.mipicks.

4.The application itself installs the programs.

This is one of the most annoying features.

1. Get in to Get Apps. → Profile → Settings → Auto-installation.
2. Disable all options related to recommendations and automatic installation.
3. Disable the application from accessing the installation of unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Get Apps can install applications even after the autoset is turned off, in which case only the removal of the autoset will help. ADB root.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Get Apps